Since it was written 35 years ago, The Meeting by Jeff Stetson has been produced in all 50 states of America as well as over a dozen countries internationally.
Stetson’s play imagines a secret meeting between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, exploring the opposing views of these two great Black leaders.
One man sees an advance to freedom through revolutionary active struggle, using violence if necessary, the other is dedicated to non-violent means and peaceful demonstration.
The Meeting engages in a debate about revolution, change and freedom that remains as relevant now as the day it was written.
“At its heart, the play is about the power of love to overcome these obstacles that deny us the ability to empathise with those who are different and yet share the same dreams and experience the same pain,” said playwright Jeff Stetson.
Red Stitch’s production delivers a physically charged contemporary reimagining of Stetson’s story, honouring these iconic men and their work, whilst embracing the universality of their rhetoric.
This Australian premiere production features Red Stitch ensemble member Dushan Philips as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Christopher Kirby as Malcolm X. Directed by Tanya Gerstle.
Jeff Stetson is an internationally acclaimed award-winning playwright and screenwriter for film and television. His stage plays include: Keep the Faith: A musical on the life and times of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.; Fathers and Other Strangers; Fraternity; And the Men Shall Also Gather; To Play a Black Man; Love You Better; and The Apology.
Director: Tanya Gerstle | Featuring: Akhilesh Jain, Christopher Kirby, Dushan Philips | Set & Costume Design: Peter Mumford | Lighting Design: Richard Vabre | Sound Design: Justin Gardam | Stage Manager: Caitie Murphy | Assistant Stage Manager: Brigette Jennings
The Meeting
Red Stitch Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel Street, East St Kilda
Season: 1 – 23 October 2022 (previews: 28 – 30 September)
Information and Bookings: www.redstitch.net
Image: Dushan Philips as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Christopher Kirby as Malcolm X – photo by Robert Blackburn & Work Art Life Studios